FALLS from heights caused 24 deaths on Irish farms over the past 10-years, according to figures from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

The shocking fatality figure has led to the launch of a new safety video by Teagasc safety specialists entitled ‘Farm Construction and Work at Height’.

Minister of State at the Dept. of Agriculture, Martin Heydon, officially launched the video last week at the Beef24Open in Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath last week.

The video focuses on approaches to safely manage on-farm construction and farm maintenance projects and is part of a ‘Managing Farm Health and Safety’ series of 18 videos which outline best practice for farm health and safety topics.

Minister Heydon said that there are a number of important considerations when it comes to health and safety around farm construction projects and working at height.

“This video not only clearly highlights the hazards, but also provides practical tips and advice for farmers on managing safety during construction work and work at heights on the farm.

“It also emphasises the importance of using competent skilled contractors who have appropriate training, equipment and methods to carry out the work safely,”  said Minister Heydon.

As well as the Teagasc safety specialists, also involved in the production of the video were FBD Insurance and the Farm Safety Partnership advisory committee to the Health and Safety Authority [HAS].

Martina Gormley, HSA Inspector  said that 24 people had lost their lives on Irish farms over the last 10 years linked to falls from heights.